Rafael Leao proved a frustrating figure for the Italian press in Milan’s 3-2 loss to Rennes, earning mixed reviews from the newspapers.
The Rossoneri fell to their French opponents 3-2 in the second leg of the Europa League knockout playoff tie, but it ultimately meant little as the Italian side still progressed to the Round of 16, holding a 5-3 lead on aggregate after their dominant first leg showing.
Leao did get himself on the scoresheet in Milan’s loss to Rennes, netting their equaliser in the 58th minute, but his work failed to fully convince the Italian newspapers. He failed to bury a handful of chances across the match and looked a little low on confidence in front of goal.
La Gazzetta dello Sport summarised their feelings about Leao’s work in the loss to Rennes, writing: “More or less like Arnautovic in Inter-Atletico Madrid, to score he had to miss two sensational chances. He never reaps what he sows, it’s a limit.”
Corriere dello Sport were even less impressed by the Portuguese star’s performance, underlining how he failed to progress the Rossoneri’s attacks on a number of occasions, commenting: “He wasted at least five counterattacks by getting stuck in dribbling. Then he finally made the decisive play with the goal to make it 2-2.”
Corriere della Sera and Tuttosport had similar ratings and feelings about Leao’s work in the loss, saying: “The rating is an average between the three clear missed chances and the important goal scored.”
Leao ratings in the Italian newspapers
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 6.5
Corriere dello Sport: 6
Corriere della Sera: 6
Tuttosport: 6